Jennifer Hudson backstage during VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at Hammerstein Ballroom December 18, 2011 in New York City.

Jennifer Hudson backstage during VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at Hammerstein Ballroom December 18, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Vh1)

Just in time for the New Year’s resolution season is “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down” – the new weight loss book from Jennifer Hudson.

In the book, which hits stores Tuesday, Hudson explains her motivation to lose weight and reveals that she turned down the starring role in “Precious” because she didn’t want to gain weight for the film.

The Oscar-winning actress and Grammy-winning singer will sign copies of the book January 17 at the Barnes & Noble in Old Orchard Center Mall in Skokie. You can also watch the Chicago native on NBC’s “Dateline” Sunday.

And if you like DMX – or simply enjoying unlikely music collaborations – you’ll be happy to know Hudson makes a cameo on the controversial rapper’s upcoming album.

Speaking of weight loss: Plain White T’s drummer De’Mar Hamilton lost so much weight over the last few months, I almost didn’t recognize him at the “Starry New Year’s Eve” party at the Hard Rock Hotel Saturday. Hamilton, who joined The Gold Coast All-Stars on stage for a cover of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So,” told me he lost the weight through dieting and the Insanity workout. You can read more about Hamilton’s weight loss on timeoutchicago.com.

Heads up: Phi Phi O’Hara -- one of three Chicago contestants on the upcoming season of Logo’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” -- will watch the season premiere January 30 at Spin nightclub in Boystown. Check out redeyechicago.com for an interview with O’Hara.

On the record: “I don’t know too many men that don’t like a good-looking woman running up and down around the court,” - Bulls legend Dennis Rodman talks to the New York Post about his new job as the coach of a topless women's basketball team.

Sightings: R. Kelly dined at M Burger in Water Tower Place December 28 and hung out at Angels & Kings in the Hard Rock Hotel Tuesday. … John Cusack hung out at Bijan’s Bistro in River North Friday after taking in the Blackhawks game at the United Center. The “Hot Tub Time Machine” star and his sister, Joan Cusack, had dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse on Christmas Eve. … Former “Hills” cast member Kristin Cavallari shopped at Sofia boutique and visited Exhale Spa Thursday. … Actress Jenny McCarthy had dinner at Japonais Monday. … … Former “Friday Night Lights” actor Zach Gilford attended the Bulls game at the United Center Sunday. “One Tree Hill” star Chad Michael Murray and the Bears' Julius Peppers and Matt Forte were on hand for Tuesday’s Bulls game. … The Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford celebrated his birthday Saturday at Zed451 and then the New Year’s Eve party at the Hard Rock Hotel. Also at the Hard Rock party was former “Malcolm in the Middle” actor Chris Masterson, who deejayed, O.A.R. drummer Chris Culos, who played a song with The Gold Coast All-Stars and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hils” star Taylor Armstrong, who arrived after her appearance at Enclave. Armstrong was also spotted at Hub 51 and Paris Club Friday. … The New York Yankees’ Curtis Granderson rented out Roots Handmade Pizza for him and over 200 friends New Year’s Eve. … The Bears’ Lance Briggs dined at N9NE Steakhouse Friday.